Pope Francis told a reporter that it is “an honor when Americans attack me.”
The pope made his comments to Nicolas Seneze, a reporter from La Croix, the French Catholic daily newspaper, during the flight Sept. 4 from Rome to Maputo, Mozambique.
Seneze is author of “Comment l’Amerique veut changer de pape,” which can be translated as “how America wanted to change popes.” Seneze gave Pope Francis a copy of the book during the flight.
Pope Francis said he had heard about the book, but had not been able to find a copy.
After telling Seneze that he had not yet read the book, the pope told him, “It’s an honor when the Americans attack me.”
And handing the book on to an aide, the pope commented, “It’s a bomb.”
Shortly after Pope Francis returned to the front of the plane after greeting each member of the media, Matteo Bruni, his spokesman, came to the journalists with a statement.
“In an informal context, the pope wanted to say that he always considers criticisms an honor, particularly when they come from authoritative thinkers — in this case from an important nation,” Bruni said.
Full story at The Catholic Herald.
How much more of this are Catholics willing to take? How far are they willing to go with Pope Francis before they finally question their assumptions about him?
At least some Catholics are honest enough to go there. Antonio Socci, Patrick Coffin, Bishop Gracida, and Msgr. Bux, for example: they all have their finger on something, something very big, and it’s definitely not consistent with the narrative still bandied about on Catholics websites today.
Amen !
The French title of Seneze’s book should be translated, “How America Wants to Get a New Pope.” And definitely it is in the present tense.
Unfortunately, ‘it’s a bomb’ has at least three meanings in common American English. I think Francis would be well-served to speak only languages he is fully fluent in publicly. Rely on highly competent translators. Otherwise, things get really screwed up really fast.
Francis knew exactly what he was saying.
Is it an attack or challenge to live up to his office ? a question on his statements or lack clarity is not an attack . He should read his history on popes who were martyred and suffered real threats ,this shows his antagonism toward those seeking clarity and clear moral direction of the Vicar of Christ . His recent pronouncements of fossil fuels shows his lack of awareness of the situation and his place in it , better to focus on saving souls and healing the damage in the church , next Peters Pence collection I will not insult him with my contribution, retirement would best suit him to spare him from such “attacks”.
This unfortunate remark from Rick W. is typical. Pope Francis has said a lot that focuses on saving souls, yet his detractors prefer not to listen to them. Why? Simple. They think they know more than the universal shepherd whom God has anointed to lead them. It’s hubris really. Plain old pride.
Argentina is a bad country from which to pick a pope. They despise the UK, and, by extension, the US. That also includes aspects of our culture, like the Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution. They believe that Argentina would be a world power if only the Brits weren’t standing in their way. They remember very well how the US shared intelligence with the UK during the Falklands War. I fully understand why the Pope dislikes us.
The Italians, and, in fact, much of Europe, also dislike Americans. For the most part, they have no actual acquaintance with, or understanding of, us, but they just don’t like our rude, crude, uncultured selves. So be it.
Absolutely agree with and support Pope Francis on this. The extreme right wing of the hierarchy of the Church in the USA along with some of their wealthy friends are trying to undermine Pope Francis as he leads the Church forward. May God continue to Bless Pope Francis in his petrine ministry.
FHK: what would Francis have to do to convince you that he has long decided to junk 2,000 years of Church tradition and create a “paradigm shift” in the Church that will leave it much closer to the UK Anglicans of today than Catholics of 1990? After all, Francis speaks with authority (or sinful pride) in the name of God and tells believers that God wants all kinds of religions – God invented the world that way. Because everyone looks up to God. In other words, there is no truth in Catholicism not held by Amazonian pantheists. Why go to mass? I’m not rich and I pray that Francis either has a “Damascus Moment” or leaves the scene.
A Catholic Pope has no obligation to listen to, or answer to anyone– not to journalists, nor to critics, nor to the Dubia, nor to Vigano (whom I read is now in hiding, fearing for his life!) — nor to anyone at all! That is how our Church works! A Pope has a very unique privilege! No doubt– Pope Francis simply ignores his critics! And does things the way he feels is best. All we can do– is pray for him, and for the Church!
He’s suppose to be the Father to all Catholics. I know if my kids would attack me I certainly wouldn’t be happy or sarcastic about it.
It is a dishonor that Pope Francis attacks people.
Jesus himself put it most succinctly: A prophet is not welcome in his own country.
Love your comment.
So,,, Francis is Jesus?
Bergolio is an Argentinian.
He should be above politics as the Savior you quoted.
All statements like this will have con$$$$$equences in the future.
The Church is not a corporation. It cannot discover a new oil well or market a new I-phone to sustain itself.
It requires donations from mostly very sincere people. He has insulted a whole nation. The donations from the U.S. will be a trickle, from now on.
Hi Frank: I intend to dramatically increase my contributions to the Church to demonstrate support for Pope Francis.
Good. Your $1.35 per week should solve their problems.
Frank: yes…my $1.35 per week will make up for the loss of your $0.25 per week tithe. God Bless.
It is scary, the recent clerical sex abuse scandals in Buffalo, NY, with Bishop Malone! Will the new Vatican document on handling clerical sex abuse, be effective?? This on-going situation is not positive, for Catholics and their families– safety is not assured! That is the “Number One” issue!
-Did I say that Francis IS Jesus? No, I didn’t however, I’d just remind that every priest functions in the person of Christ.
-“Bergoglio is an Argentinian”. So what? Wojtyła was Polish. Sarto was Italian. Peter was Palestinian
/Jewish.
-Above politics? You mean: Popes who speak out against laws permitting abortion and same sex marriage should have been above politics?